The Seoul Arts Center is getting set to unveil its upcoming production of Mozart’s enchanting opera “The Magic Flute.”

The upcoming show will be the center’s first opera production in six years, following another Mozart’s classic -- “The Marriage of Figaro.”

From 2001 to 2009, “The Magic Flute” was staged at the SAC every year, selling out every show. In its return to the stage, this year’s production has its sights out on luring families to the theater to experience Mozart’s whimsical and imaginative tale of good versus evil.

Unlike in past years when the German opera was performed in its original language and only had Korean subtitles, this time all of the lyrics and dialogue that have been translated into Korean to assist with children’s appreciation and understanding of the production.

“Because the original opera is in German, it is true that the new Korean translation of the production will have a different ambience than if we can kept the original language,” said soprano Lee Yoon-geong –- who will be making her Korea debut playing the lead role of the Queen of the Night -- during a press conference held in Seoul earlier this week.

“But I really think having the opera in Korean will better reach the local audience, no matter what age,” she added.

Also in a modern twist to attract more families, the organizers have produced -- for the first time in Korea -- an ultrahigh-definition movie version of the opera, filmed in 5.1. surround sound and using more than 10 different camera angles for those who prefer to watch the opera in a movie-theater setting. The film will be screened in front of a live audience for one-night as part of the Center’s “SAC on Screen” project. 

The opera in two acts tells the tale of Prince Tamino of Egypt, who one day is informed by the Queen of the Night that his beloved Princess Pamina has been kidnapped by the evil Sarastro. Tamino is given a magic flute and sent off to rescue Pamina along with his sidekick Papageno.

The work is in the form of a “singspiel,” which combines spoken dialogue with arias and instrumental interludes.

The opera will feature sopranos Lee and Seo Hwal-lan as the Queen of the Night. Baritones Kong Byung-woo and Lee Eung-kwang will take on the role of Papageno, while tenors Kim Woo-kyung and Lee Ho-chul will play the role of Tamino and basses Attila Jun and Kim Dae-young will bring life to the evil Sarastro.

“The Magic Flute” will be staged live four days on July 15, 16, 18 and 19 with a special high-definition film screening of the entire opera on Friday, July 17. The performances, with a running time of 160 minutes will be held at the Seoul Art Center’s Opera Theater, with tickets prices ranging from 10,000 won to 150,000 won. Special discount rates are available for families who attend the show over the weekend. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)